Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari has announced a bold reform agenda aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s struggling railway sector, as part of the government’s Big Push Agenda under the Resetting Ghana initiative.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, the Minister acknowledged that Ghana’s railway system has faced years of decline due to multiple setbacks.
“The development of Ghana’s railway system has suffered greatly over the years due to numerous challenges—outdated infrastructure, obsolete rolling stock, poor maintenance practices, human resource limitations, and inadequate financing. All these have contributed to the collapse of what was once a vibrant sector,” he said.
Minister Bukari described the current state of the railway network as “unacceptable,” citing decades of neglect and a lack of consistent investment as key contributors to the sector’s near standstill.
He revealed that Ghana’s narrow-gauge railway network spans approximately 947 kilometers but remains largely non-operational due to disrepair, severely limiting connectivity and economic productivity.
As part of efforts to restore the sector, the government plans to modernize existing rail tracks, introduce urban light rail systems, and expand freight services to facilitate trade and movement.
“This isn’t just about trains,” the Minister emphasized. “It’s about unlocking trade, creating jobs, and boosting national cohesion.”
He noted that the Big Push Agenda, a national infrastructure growth program, will serve as the cornerstone of the railway sector’s transformation.
